Orlando Magic Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz Receive: G Markelle Fultz, G Jalen Suggs, Multiple Future First-Round Picks (Unprotected)
The Orlando Magic happens to have a wealth of young talent, but every prospect they have comes with question marks aside from rookie Franz Wagner.
In this deal, Orlando would be sending two of their promising young guards, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs, to the Utah Jazz in return for Donovan Mitchell.
With Mitchell’s status as a superstar at the beginning of his prime on a long-term contract, the Magic will have to include some additional assets in the form of draft compensation to make this work.
Sending two young players with potential, including Suggs, who was the fourth-overall pick in last year’s draft, will help Orlando retain at least some of their future draft picks, unlike when the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Anthony Davis or the Los Angeles Clippers moved for Paul George. Two unprotected future first-rounders should be able to get this deal done.
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With Mitchell heading to Orlando, the Magic no longer need the services of Fultz or Suggs, but they retain Cole Anthony to form a new formidable backcourt in the East.
Orlando’s path to contention between their new guard pairing, Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr., becomes much clearer. Adding Spida could make the Magic an unexpected free-agent destination, especially with Florida’s lack of a state income tax.
For the Jazz, this move allows them to build toward the future while also competing in the present. Fultz and Suggs replace some of Mitchell’s production in the backcourt and should be more willing to feed Gobert on post-ups and dump-offs.
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Mike Conley might even help to accelerate their development as scorers, playmakers, and defenders. Adding Orlando’s draft picks will make it less crucial for the Jazz to tank, which would be pretty challenging to do while employing the one-man defense that is the Stifle Tower.
